Canary Islands Face Transport Crisis Ahead of Papal Visit

The upcoming visit of Pope Leo XIV to the Canary Islands has exposed significant weaknesses in the archipelago’s transport network. The Canary Islands Transport Employers' Federation warns that the region is facing an unprecedented logistical crisis, as the papal visit coincides with the usual daily rush of commuters and students.

The core issue is a major gap between transport supply and demand. While officials expect around 60,000 people to attend each event, the current bus capacity is limited to only 30,000 seats. Because of rigid work schedules and the high risk of traffic gridlock, bus companies cannot rotate their vehicles, meaning each bus can likely only complete one trip per day.

Plans currently call for 350 buses in Gran Canaria and 250 in Tenerife. However, the employers' association warns that these plans remain ineffective without clear guidance from authorities on parking, loading zones, and designated access routes. With less than two weeks to go, the lack of a concrete plan is causing uncertainty. Business owners fear that if the situation remains unclear, many people will choose to drive their own cars, which would only worsen the traffic congestion.

To manage the influx, the transport sector has suggested measures such as encouraging remote work or suspending classes in metropolitan areas. While canceling school transport would free up 700 buses, the industry notes that this would cause a significant financial blow to companies that rely on daily school contracts.

The situation now hinges on a coordination meeting with the Government Delegation this Wednesday. Transport operators have formally requested detailed traffic and security plans, emphasizing the need for a centralized parking strategy to reduce unnecessary travel. Without a coordinated plan that integrates all forms of transport, the industry warns that major roads in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria could face total gridlock.